TheReelMovieMaven Review of Lorena

Lorena (2019)

Excruciating, redemptive, fascinating look back at a pivot point in America's conscience

[8/10 · 24 February 2019]

I rated this documentary high because, technically, it's editing was so well done; by choice of editing certain scenes, juxtaposing spoken words with focus on different people and actions, the viewer could glean so much more of what was left unsaid and implied. When this incident actually occurred in the '90s, I gave it only my cursory attention, since I've never been a "tabloid" follower. But, the filmmaker recreates here the era, including the politically vacuous attitude toward women's issues even after the "Second Wave" of feminism was winding down, and the ultimate resiliance of Lorena Bobbitt that brought her to reclaim a life beyond being a tabloid joke. This is an important film. I am in awe of the filmmaker for having the inspiration and guts to make it. In this era of #MeToo, this should be required viewing in all high schools.